Jase:
I was sitting in the shade away from my team, hoping it was the only way for me to relax and reflect. Lately my thoughts were straying off task, causing some distress and loss of focus. Such things for any man on an important operation could get himself or others killed. I thought of that moment five months ago, when a roadside IED killed three members of my platoon. One of them, Christopher ‘Killer’ Kilton; a brother since BUD/S who had completed the terrible quad of Killer, Hawk, Moody and Damien ‘Ash’ Sims. Now me, Hawk and Ash were left after surviving the last six years together; from BUD/s to our umpteenth tour in Afghanistan with SEAL Team 3.
“Hey, Moody!” Ash called out. Looking up I watched my partner in crime approach my brooding location. Ash’s light blonde hair reflecting the sun, casting a glowing halo behind him; whereas my dark brown absorbed every bit of the sun’s heat.
Leaning back against the shaded rock; “What’s up Ash?”
“Two weeks, buddy. Just two short weeks and we’ll be back in the land of cold beer and hot women.”
I gave him a short chuckle. That was the way of it, nine-plus-month rotations to the Middle East; then at most three months home to breathe and train for the next round. “Is that all you ever think about?”
“Why not? Nothing keeping me tied down; well, not unless they want to.” Wagging his eyebrows. “Otherwise I would be a moody, brooding bastard like you, Jase.”
A smile slowly formed. “I am not brooding. I was just thinking about getting away from this shit for a while.”
“And do what? You are a professionally trained killer; what are you gonna do? Work for your Dad and Uncle?”
“Maybe. Maybe finally settle down and have a family of my own.” Maybe that’s exactly what I needed. I was pushing thirty; perhaps settling down would put me back on track. Maybe a gorgeous wife with blonde hair and blue eyes, who can keep up with a guy like me.
“Dude, you’re thinking too much. You need to keep your eye on the job. Then, when we get home, we head out to Rowdy’s, pick up a couple of eager base bunnies and forget about everything but them for a few days. Quit letting your heart do all the thinking.”
“Like you? Thinking with your dick all the time. I just feel my priorities are shifting.”
“Well, shift your sack; Hawk wants a sit-down with us.” He patted my shoulder as he walked away. Slowly I stood and followed.
Allowing my eyes to adjust to being inside. I caught sight of the remaining squad sitting around a table covered with various papers, maps, and files; our entire Platoon was present. Making my way around to sit next to Ash, acknowledging my other squad mates: Lucas ‘Lucky’ Hamilton, Mike ‘Rebel’ Groves, Greg ‘Shark’ Wentworth, and our Special Operator Chief, Bradley ‘Hawk’ Coolidge.
“Moody, nice of you to grace us with your presence, pretty boy.” Lucky jibbed.
Flipping out a middle finger across the table, I eased into a seat. Brad cleared his throat in an attempt to gain everyone’s full attention. Gaining the name ‘Hawk’ during Phase 3 of training when he surpassed his trainer’s expectations with his marksmanship. Standing a half foot taller than my five foot ten, he was the epitome of command and control as the head of our unit. Shooting a hardened glance at the faces, when he spoke; his strong Texan accent began shining through.
“Listen up First Platoon! I know ya’ll are suffering from a mild case of short-timers; and some of us are still working past the loss of Killer, Preacher and Doc. We need to focus on this one last job; I mean it, if just one of you can’t keep his head out of his ass; you can sit in the brig until hell comes a knockin’.” Causing everyone to focus on me. “This is gonna be a short run; a simple support job. Follow and provide back-up to a food convoy. After that, we go home.” Taking a deep breath, he passed out copies from the file in front of him. “Good news, we’re getting a twofer via our new and much-needed Communicator/SurvTech for first platoon; courtesy of Team 8. One week downtime, then we begin work up for our next deployment. Moody, he’ll be on our squad and your responsibility.” Great. I thought. Just what I needed, playing mother goose to someone newbie.
“A two for one? Better know his shit.” Rebel squawked reading through the paper that held the info on their newest teammate. “Fuck, only been three years operational and of course no photo.”
Studying the vague profile of our newest addition. It was curious that there wasn’t anything more than just these few basic lines. Shaking my head, I returned my attention to the plans on our next jaunt into the hills. Everyone jumped in on how we were going to handle the simplest of tasks; even putting our two cents in on contingency should things get FUBAR. Glancing back at the paper, I read the information again just before we were dismissed.
Name: K. Decker Rank: Petty Officer Second Class Naval Service: 8 years Skills: Linguistics - German, French, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, Italian and Russian Info Tech, Surveillance, Field Medic, Marksmanship Lvl 4 Service Duties: USS Nitze - Norfolk, VA BUD/S - Coronado, CA NSWG Group 2 Team 8 - Little Creek, VA
This was just another shit assignment. Why in the hell can’t another branch do escort jobs? We’re SEALs, for fuck sake, not damn babysitters. I thought over every contingency while keeping watch for any trouble from insurgents that may be hidden among the rocky hillside. Maybe it is time to think about getting out. Dad has been begging me to come home and take over the family business.
Driving south to Camp Dwyer was all routine, nothing out of the ordinary. I prayed it would stay that way on our return trip back. My mind wandered again to making a list of the many willing bodies that would warm my hotel bed once we got home, maybe; just maybe one of them would be the one to keep on a more permanent basis.
Our return trip back to the FOB; just a few more miles, a couple hours of sleep. Tomorrow morning we all would be boarding a transport heading home. The sun was setting, as soon as it was dark enough our convoy would go lights out. Everyone would don their NVGS for the remainder of the ride. I caught sight of some movement as a trail of white smoke hurled towards the vehicle just ahead of me. It took a moment to sink in before I heard Lucky yell out, “RPG!”
************
Kenny:
A low jazz tune played through the speakers of his high-priced sound system. I was trying my damnedest to block the droning sound out so I could concentrate on the report I needed to finish for Papa. “Kendall, you remember what day this is?” Declan asked, breaking into my thoughts.
“Hmm? Sorry, what did you say?” I asked, trying to keep focused on my work.
“I asked if you remembered what today is.” Leaning over the back of the couch, his lithe frame and strawberry blonde hair tickled my cheek as he ran his tongue along the shell of my ear.
“It’s Thursday.” I looked up from my laptop. “Dec, I have to finish this and get it sent out to Papa before I meet my new team tomorrow.” Please back off and shut that jazz crap off.
He growled in frustration, “Come on, Kendall. It’s been eight years today since we were introduced by your father. Eight years of standing by your side through all your training and various deployments.”
Caving in to his persistence, I shut down and looked up. “Does that mean we’re going out tonight?”
He flashed me a wolfish grin. “And then some, hopefully.” I rolled my eyes, “Now, don’t start; go get ready. I’m taking you to dinner then out for a drink.”
“Rowdy’s?” I perked up. Please, pretty please. I loved surrounding myself with others that also served. Especially those who were on the teams; they truly knew how to have a good time. As a bonus I wouldn’t have to listen to Declan’s shitty taste in music all night long.
Stepping away he mumbled, “Sure why not.” I quickly started for my bedroom to change, thankful he had a spare room so I didn’t have to share with him. “But just for a drink or two!”
“Of course, I have to report to Commander Birk at 0730. You remember I get my billet assignment.”
“How could I forget? Are you gonna be leaving any of your shit here, this time?” He grumbled. “I figured they would make an exception since you already had an established living arrangement. Why not just move in? I’m sure your Dad would allow the exception.”
“You of all people know I planned to stay in the bachelor billet for a while with my Team. When it comes to transfers of non-married personnel, you know how it goes. Even you did, when you first got here. Furthermore I am not about to ask him for any kind of special treatment; end of story. So, deal with it. Besides, you’re going to be on that new rotation at the hospital and you know that when we are starting a work up; I am the earliest of frogs. My training schedule is gonna interfere with you getting any decent rest.”
“Yeah, but I’m a guy who was billeted with other men. You are not in that same situation. We could always remedy that by getting married. But then again I guess you’re right, with your training and my work schedule. It would be best.” He entered the room, giving my body a good look while I dressed. “Please tell me you aren’t wearing that.”
“You call that a proposal? Besides, this won’t be any different that it has in the past. I’ve always had to share quarters with my team. You’ve never complained before and I was on the other side of the country. And what’s wrong with my dress?” Looking down the pale blue dress that hugged my frame. The skirt flowed down stopping just short of my knees.
“It’s too revealing.” He grabbed a sweater from my closet. Wrapping it around my shoulders, “There, not so much skin poking out now.” He kissed my cheek.
“Skin? Or do you mean my tattoo?” Not hiding my unhappiness with his dictatorial view of what I wore in public. If he had his way; I would be in a parka and stilettos.
“That too. I still don’t understand why you had to do that to your back. Even that other one, was a mistake, you should have it removed.” There was nothing I loved more on my body than my wings and shamrock.
“The one on my hip is a reminder of my Mom. You know that!” I stormed into the bathroom.
Following close behind, “But couldn’t you have just carried a picture or something. Then again, you always have to show everyone how big your balls are. Don’t overdo your makeup; I like it when you keep it light and natural.” Rolling my eyes at his reflection, always trying to keep control, well fuck you little man who barely passed his last fitness requirement. I gave my eyes a smoky look that made my baby blues pop; but as usual, I skipped using blush and a light gloss. Damn, I’m hot. Maybe I should be on the lookout for your replacement, you arrogant ass.
For being a Thursday night, Rowdy’s was damn near packed to the rafters. By the looks of the various groups, it appeared that a several Platoons must have just got back from deployment. Declan was constantly trying to keep my bare skin from showing, by pulling it up or offering me to cover up with the sweater, when I’d just taken it off. After finally being fed up, I excused myself, heading towards the Ladies Room; not seeing the other group of people walk in.
On my way back down the hall, I got the feeling I was being watched; maybe followed. I know I was wearing a lot less than Dec would have approved of. But I wasn’t bothered that I was apparently being checked out by someone. I should turn around and introduce myself. I smiled at the thought and just continued on my way back out to the bar. Swaying my hips as I went, maybe that will tide you over whoever you are.
When I returned, I spotted Declan leaning against the bar where I’d left him. Only now he was stroking the arm of some brunette wearing a revealing white tank top and cutoff shorts, so short you could see her ass dangling. Every fucking time, sometimes I do wonder if he ain’t with anyone else while he claims to be so in love with me. Sucking in a deep breath, I made my way back to him. Shoving myself in front of the other woman, flinging my arms around Declan’s neck; I leaned in for a big wet kiss. “Excuse you, bitch!” The woman said as I ignored her presence.
I still hadn’t acknowledged her, “Miss me? How about one more drink before we head home?” Watching closely to his reaction to what had just occurred. He then looked over my shoulder to give the brunette an apologetic grin. In a huff she stormed away to another part of the room. Good riddance. There was that feeling again; it was warmth of some kind that was alerting me to someone’s intense gaze. I began looking around the room.
“Of course.” He smiled, “And why not, it’s our night after all.” He turned to gain the attention of the bartender. “You want another beer or something stronger?” I heard him ask, but my attention had shifted when I found the source of my strange sensation.
I was staring at a group that must have just sat down. Seven men were seated around a small cluster of tables. One in particular caught my attention. He had a petite redhead sitting on his lap while he kissed along her neck; his dark brown hair and chocolate colored eyes suddenly rose up and locked with mine. I saw his mouth move as he spoke. Quickly, I spun around and grabbed Declan’s hand, dragging him towards the nearest exit. “Let’s head home, now.”
************
Jase:
I can’t believe I caved in to Ash’s demands about going out on our first night back. I know we would most likely be nursing hangovers when we reported to Commander Birk before getting our billet assignments. The squad was joined by a few from Second Squad and Third Platoon.
I’d just stepped out of the Men’s room, when a very well built sandy haired blonde was walking down the hall in front of me. Spotting the tops of what looked like angel wings tattooed on each of her shoulders. Wondering how far down those go. Damn, she really has a tight looking ass, swaying under that very short skirt. Shit those heels alone has me dreaming of them dangling on either side of my head, while she screamed out my name as she came apart under me. I watched her movements as she made her way towards the bar; where she was greeted by a not-so happy brunette woman and a scrawny light ginger headed male. It was after she swung her arms around the guy, giving him one hell of a kiss; that I returned my attention to my own group.
Ash made the intro of a petite redhead, who was sporting a color of red one could only get from a bottle. What she lacked in one area, she more than made up with the size of her breasts. Must be store bought also. Whoever she was, had no problem plopping her tiny ass onto my lap, but who am I to complain. Don’t need to remember who she is in the morning, anyway. Lucky gave an approving look before I flipped him off.
I tucked the gal closer onto my lap, keeping the current conversation going. I got the feeling that someone was watching me. The feeling worsened once I leaned into the neck of my new friend; I’d barley reached her earlobe when my eyes shot towards the bar and locked on a pair of soft baby blues from the past. What the hell? Kenny? Not realizing; I spoke out loud, “No way. What the fuck is she doing here?”
“Who?” Shark asked, looking around our immediate area.
“My wife,” I muttered, watching her grab the guy she was with by the hand and start shoving her way through the crowd.
Before I could rush after her, the redhead grabbed my face, giving me a hard kiss to keep my attentions on her. “Her loss, baby.”
Pushing her off my lap, I tried to follow them. Once I was out the door, all I saw was the tail lights of a Porsche driving out of the parking lot. Damn it to hell! I started to think it over, that maybe it was just someone who looked like her. It’s been ten years since I last saw her, but then again; the facial features and expression made her a dead ringer. Those angel wings tattooed on her back alone separated her from every other woman I knew. Only Kenny would have the balls to have work like that done. Shit, now I was rock hard remembering that body as I followed her down the hallway.
“Who was that to get you so riled up, Moody?” Hawk asked from behind.
“Just thought she looked like someone I used to know a long time ago.” I sighed trying to adjust myself without him noticing.
Ash came trotting out, slapping his hand on my shoulder. “Hey Hawk, did ya hear the news? That a split-tail transferred?”
“You shitting me? Team 1 must have gotten her, you know, since they are mostly a bunch of girls themselves, most of the time.” Hawk answered, laughing. “Let’s head back in.”
“I think I’m gonna head back to the hotel. My report time is at 0830, and then I have to get settled. I should call my Dad; let him know I’m in country. See you all tomorrow at the report-in to Birk.” Walking slowly towards my SUV.
Resting back on the bed, I dialed the only number that could help solve this dilemma. It rang twice before I heard that familiar deep voice on the other end. “Cage, you’re on speaker.”
“Hey, Dad. Shooter, how things going?” After a few pleasantries and catching up on the family business. I knew I couldn’t hide anything from Dad or even my Uncle Bill, for that matter. Being ex-SEALs, those two were always able to get a read on people faster, just by a simple hello.
“So, you gonna tell me what’s up your ass?” He finally lay in, Shooter chuckling in the background.
“I saw a gal tonight at Rowdy’s that looked exactly like Kenny. But it couldn’t have been no one’s heard from her in so long.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t? It may have been her. Bear mentioned she was moving back to the area. She was transferring from Little Creek.”
Sitting up in a flash, “What the fuck? Why would Bear tell you?”
“I thought you remembered her father, Ken. But then you were just a little boy when we moved to Denver from Virginia. That would have been around the time Kendall was born.”
“As in Admiral Lang? Fucking, Admiral Kenneth ‘Bear’ Lang?”
“Yep, that would be him. I thought you knew.”
“Hell no, I didn’t know. My boss is her father?” Rubbing a hand down my face. “He’s having a retirement party tomorrow night. All of us have to be there.”
Bill blurted across the speaker, “Then I suggest you make sure you are impeccably dressed when you shake hands with your father-in-law.”
“Father-in-law? Wait, what?” I was confused. “You’ve got to be shittin’ me.”
“Jase,” Bill came through, “that whole ceremony was legal. You remember that all the paperwork was signed and ready to go before the Chaplain entered the room.”
The laughter that followed created a burning in my gut. “Well, don’t fucking hold back, you two. What the fuck am I gonna do? If she’s there, I...”
Dad smoothly said, “If she’s there, then fate decided it was time for you two to see each other again. Kylie always knew you two should be together. That’s why she made that last request.”
“Dad, really? That whole wedding was just an act to appease her before she died.”
“Don’t!” He yelled making me cringe, “Jason Michael Cage, don’t think for one minute to sully what was Kylie’s last and happiest moment. She was my best friend and she helped me raise you. Hell, she practically raised me and Bill. I won’t allow you to make it out like that was just a part you played.”
“Seriously? This whole fucking time, I’ve really been...” I started to feel sick at the thought.
“Yep. You and Kendall have been married for ten years now.”
“This is a real Charlie Foxtrot; you both know that. I can’t face Admiral Lang, knowing I’ve been unfaithfully married to his little girl all this time. Shit! He’s seen me around with so many different women.”
Bill chuckled, “Then I guess you have a ton of ass kissing to do.”
“Hell if you two haven’t been so helpful.”
“No problem, son.” Dad snickered. “Jase, if you see her there, don’t be so hard on her. She was going through a rough time after Kylie died. That’s why she left.”
“I’ll try. Thanks, Dad; I’ll see you guys when I come home after next deployment.” The line went silent. I lay back, staring at ceiling, wondering how tomorrow was going to play out. Slowly drifting to sleep, my dreams filled with the years that had been spent growing up with Kenny. It wasn’t long before it all twisted into more intimate images that I had to drag my ass out of my bed to take a cold shower. Damn angel wings and stilettos.
Right on time, I reported to Commander Birk’s office. Stepping through the door, I took a look around the room, glancing over every awards that hung from its walls. Sitting behind a standard wooden desk was Commander Howard ‘Joker’ Birk. Snapping to attention, “Sir, Chief Petty Officer Jason Cage, reporting in, Sir.”
“Sit your ass down, Moody. I still can’t fathom why you do that shit every time.”
“Just good manners, Sir.” I smarted back, falling into the nearest chair.
“Manners my aching ass. Now, I’m sure you’ve heard that your squad has acquired a transfer from Team 8. I had to reassure the Admiral that you were the right man for the job. Since Hawk said Decker has been assigned to you.”
“Aye, Sir. He told me the same; that I was responsible to making sure he was caught up on our routines. I promise to do both you and the Admiral proud, Sir.”
“I’m sure He will appreciate all your help. So, you will also share the same billet for the time being. Not quite sure I agree with this situation, but who am I to go against orders from above.” Birk handed over the paper that showed my building and room assignment. “Admiral Lang’s retirement party is tonight. I expect to see you there in your whites, pressed.”
“Aye, aye.” I stood to leave.
“Ah, one more thing, Moody. Bear wants to see you in his office PDQ. If I were you, I’d book my sorry ass over there now. You’re dismissed.” Birk grinned, confusing me all the more.
“PDQ, aye, Sir.” I responded, heading for the door. Once in the hall, I bumped into Lucky, Shark, and Rebel waiting their turns to see Birk. Ash was walking down the hall with Hawkeye; I nodded to them before turning to head over to my next appointment.
Hawk stopped me. “Moody! Wait up!”
“Sorry, I have to report to Bear’s office.”
“What the fuck for?” Ash asked.
“Not sure. What’s up, Hawk?” “Just heard it’s definite. The splittai...” He noticed the female secretary sitting nearby. “Sorry, ma’am. The female everyone’s been going on about. She’s ours.”
“I fucking know.” I complained, “Birk said she’s in our billet. Thanks to you, I’m rooming with her.” My head whipped towards the seats when I heard Rebel and Shark begin to laugh.
“Since when did we even have any woman that made it past the first few weeks of BUD/S?” Lucky asked.
“Since about four years ago. There were twelve in that class; two actually made it through to Phase 3. But one was badly injured during UDT. Apparently she overcompensated and about blew herself and her boat crew sky high.” Hawk answered.
“What about this one?” Ash asked.
“Got several commendations, including a silver star, two purple hearts, and a Navy Cross. She saved an instructor during a HALO training jump.”
Shark was in awe. “Damn. Tadpole did that? I knew there was a lot they weren’t telling us in that file they’d sent.”
“Sure as shit. I better head over to the Admiral’s office. See you guys later, I guess.” Shrugging before continuing down the hallway. I kept running through all this new information, but kept my heading to meet with the one person I had forgotten the true identity of. Jase, this cannot be good if he wants to see you. Shaking my head, hoping that maybe I wasn’t in for another shock; that perhaps I would be reassigned or something. Stopping at the end of the final corridor, I eyed the name plate Adm. K. Lang. My heart started racing along with any thoughts. I’d met Admiral Kenneth ‘Bear’ Lang on several occasions. Bear was Navy to the core; an experienced SEAL and tactical operator, whose door was always open for his men if they needed him. The man even had the same hair and eye color as Kenny. I had never put two and two together to have realized just how long we had known one another.
Then, taking in a slow, deep breath, I knocked on the door. “Enter!” A voice barked. Straightening myself, I entered with caution. “Can I help you, son?”
“Sir, Chief Petty Officer Cage, reporting in.” Saluting, “Commander Birk said you wanted to see me, Sir.” I stood at attention, holding hard onto a full salute.
“At ease, Moody. I asked to see you for several reasons. Have a seat.” He directed me to the chair in front of his very large, elaborately hand-carved oak desk.
“Aye, Sir,” I answered before sitting down.
“I wanted to clear the air between us, son.” Lang said, giving me a good once over trying to measure me up. Seeing the confusion and fear in my ever changing expressions, he grinned. “I can’t believe how much you’ve changed. After all these years, you don’t remember me do you, son?”
“Sorry, Sir. I don’t, at least not in any other capacity outside of the teams, Sir.” I gave him a half honest answer. I’d only known of Kenneth Lang; Kylie’s husband, Kendall’s father, who for some reason, had chosen his career over his family. That he’d also served on the same SEAL team with my father and Uncle for several years.
“I served with your father, Jake and his brother, William for damn near twelve years. We went through a lot of shit together, Panama was the worst. But you understand what being part of the brotherhood is like.”
“Sir?” Now the confusion was bordering on becoming a panic attack.
“Anyway that was a long time ago. I later found out Papa and Shooter had grown up, with my wife Kylie. We had a daughter together. But then, of course, you probably already knew that.”
“Aye; Kylie came to live with us about a year after my Mother took off. She helped raised me, right up until she passed away ten years ago.” I began to remember Kylie’s sickness in the beginning. Then to how at the very end she had been just a shell of her former self; all skin and bones with sunken eyes that held hollow expressions. Asking just one last thing from me; to be married to Kenny.
“Kylie must have been very fond of you, son. Fond enough to have you marry our sixteen-year-old daughter just minutes before the Dear Lord took her home.” Looking into the man’s eyes, What the hell is your point Kenneth? As if reading my thoughts, “My point is that I was shocked ten years ago, when my only child showed up on my doorstep. Carrying a single seabag and suffering from severe depression. It took the entire summer before the therapist could break her out of her funk. It wasn’t until her senior year that I learned of her plans.” He paused, waiting for a reaction from me.
“Plans, Sir?” Keeping my eyes locked on the same shade of baby blues as Kenny’s, “Sorry, I really am trying to keep up here.”
“The night before graduation, she came to me with some paperwork. She wanted to change her last name. At first I was furious, but then she explained why. That she was refusing the appointment I had secured for her to Annapolis and was jumping right into her Naval service. With that in mind she also wanted to separate herself from my name. You can understand why.”
“Of course, Sir. It’s hard on any kid who serves to survive the scrutiny of their parent's shadow. Especially one of your rank and distinction, Sir.”
“So, you can imagine my shock when the list for BUD/S came across my desk four years ago. When I saw Kendall was listed as one of the twelve females who were running through the program. Well, let’s just say I was proud and pissed. You see, I hadn’t heard from her since I watched her board that plane to Great Lakes. She refused any and all contact with me. I tried desperately to re-establish myself in her life while she was here; but I hit a brick wall. It got worse after she made it through, I had been forced to pretend not to know my own flesh as I pinned that Trident on her uniform. A few weeks later she came by my home, updating me on her Team assignment and that she’d be busy in her off-time helping Jake and Bill out with their business.” My head shot up.
“What? What do you mean she’s been helping them out?”
“Apparently she’d been spending every single one of her leaves in Denver working on a few jobs with them since she finished basic, building the business; she claimed. Setting it up for expansion; providing private security jobs, not just the Bounty Hunting. I never understood Kylie’s closeness with those two; but since seeing you again, I fully understand the attraction. I’ve been in contact with Jake ever since she moved in with me ten years ago. He was also the one who told me she was coming back to Coronado, that’s when he told me all about the two of you. Apparently she is closer to him than I had thought.”
“So, you’ve been in the dark all this time.”
“Yes, and I can’t say I am happy with her current duty assignment. But you have to promise me two things."
“Sir, anything. We haven’t seen one another in all this time; but I would die for Kenny, if it came down to it.”
“Good to hear, son. First, you better keep a close eye on her and keep her safe.”
“Done. The second, Sir?”
Lang handed over a large sealed envelope, “I want you to sign these and return them to the lawyer listed on the forms.”
Opening the packet, I read in disbelief: Dissolution of Marriage Plaintiff: Kendall Olivia (Lang-Cage) Decker Defendant: Jason Michael Cage
“So, this is what you really needed from me. I truly didn’t know it was real until last night when I talked to Dad and Bill. I honestly thought we were just doing it to put Kylie’s mind at ease in her last moments.”
“Well, it was real. And don’t think for one minute more that I want my baby girl married to the likes of you any longer. Don’t even give me an innocent look. You’ve been on this base for eight years, Moody. I’ve seen all the women you managed to have on your arm, most likely in your bed. Kenny has a chance to be happy and I will not let you stand in the way of that. I introduced her to Declan her senior year; I know he’s much older than her. At the time, he was fresh out of Med school and about to start his residency at NMCSD, Balboa. Declan has a strong stable future ahead of him in the Navy. Plus he’s at least had the balls to ask me for Kenny’s hand. You can imagine the shock it was to find out that she’d been married to you all this time. I know from experience, how a SEAL makes for a shitty spouse.”
“Truthfully, Sir. If I knew it was all legal; I never would have let my behavior been like it has. I would have at the least had it annulled within a few days; but it was chaos during that time with Kylie’s death and Kendall running away the night before I shipped out.”
“Then you’ll make this a priority and get it taken care of as soon as possible. Now, enough of all this. It’s my day and I’ll see you at the party tonight, correct?”
“Aye, aye I’ll be there along with my Platoon. Sir, will Ken be there as well?”
“No, can't tell with that girl. Just keep in mind what I said; Declan wants to give her a real life. I want to see her happy. You’re dismissed, son.”
“Aye, Sir.” I stood tall, snapped Lang a salute; then tucking the envelope under my arm, I walked out the door.